University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Champaign,

Recreation Feasibility Analysis, Programming, And Referendum Support

B&D was retained by the University of Illinois in 2000 to provide a preliminary assessment of the university’s recreation facilities. The university recognized outdated facilities could no longer meet the needs of its campus population. After preliminary findings of deficiencies in indoor recreation space on campus, the university selected us to perform a recreation feasibility study. Our work included a detailed market analysis of peer institutions, focus groups, off-campus health club analysis, an electronic survey to assess student demand, a demand-based programming of activities, and the development of an outline program reconciling demand with current supply. We also tested for tolerances of various fee levels. The concept included expansion and renovation of the existing Intramural and Physical Education (IMPE) Building and Campus Recreation Center – East (CRCE). The projected total square footage for on-campus recreation facilities was 435,000. Through a detailed financial analysis, we calculated that the university could support the project with a $77 increase per semester in the student general fee. In 2001, the student body passed a referendum for this project with a record number of voters. We completed the detailed program documents for both facilities in 2002. The 110,000 SF, $28 million CRCE renovation and expansion project was completed in 2006 and received a NIRSA Outstanding Sports Facility award. The 340,000 SF, $54 million Activities and Recreation Center renovation project was completed in 2008 and also received a NIRSA Outstanding Sports Facility award.